Dictionary.com has crowned "67" as its 2025 word of the year, a distinction that has left many puzzled, as the organization itself admits it has no real definition for the term. According to Dictionary.com, the honor is reserved for a word that reflects "social trends and global events that defined that year" and "reveals the stories we tell about ourselves and how we've changed over the year." The word of the year is both viral vernacular and a linguistic time capsule, with "67" being pronounced "six seven," a slang term that has been delighting kids, exasperating teachers, and befuddling adults for months.

The term's origins can be traced back to the song "Doot Doot (6 7)," which Philadelphia-based rapper Skrilla released last December. In an interview, Skrilla explained the term's usage, saying, "The way that switch brrt, I know he dyin' 6-7, I just bipped right on the highway." Skrilla used a verb that in hip-hop can describe anything from a car smashing into another vehicle to a person experiencing a sudden, intense emotional response.

The rise of "67" as a cultural phenomenon has been swift and widespread, with many social media users embracing the term as a way to express excitement or surprise. However, the term's meaning remains unclear, leaving many to wonder what exactly it represents. "It's a bit confusing, to be honest," said Emily Chen, a high school math teacher in California. "I've seen kids using it in class, but when I ask them what it means, they just shrug and say it's just a thing."

The lack of a clear definition for "67" has also sparked debate among linguists and cultural critics, who see the term as a reflection of the changing ways in which people communicate and express themselves. "Language is always evolving, and '67' is just one example of how slang and colloquialisms can spread quickly through social media," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a linguist at the University of California, Los Angeles. "It's a fascinating example of how language can be used to create a sense of community and shared experience."

As for what's next, Dictionary.com has announced that it will continue to monitor the usage and evolution of "67" throughout the year, with the goal of providing a more definitive explanation for the term's meaning. In the meantime, the term remains a mystery, leaving many to wonder what exactly it represents and what it says about the culture of 2025.